cock-and-bull story

Friendly

Explanation of "Cock-and-bull Story"

Definition:
The phrase "cock-and-bull story" refers to a tale or explanation that is interesting but not believable or true. People often use this expression when they think someone is making up a story, especially as an excuse for something.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "cock-and-bull story" when talking about someone who gives an unbelievable excuse or story.
• It is often used in informal conversations, so it might be best to avoid it in very formal writing.

Example Sentence:

• "When he said he missed the meeting because a UFO landed in his backyard, I knew it was just a cock-and-bull story."

Advanced Usage:

• You might hear this phrase in discussions about creativity or storytelling, where someone is critiquing the plausibility of a narrative.
• It can also be used to describe exaggerated claims in advertising or politics.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "cock-and-bull story," but you might encounter similar phrases in different contexts.

Different Meanings:

• The phrase is primarily used to describe implausible stories. It does not have alternative meanings in common usage.

Synonyms:

• Tall tale
• Fabrication
• Whopper (slang)
• Fish story

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "cock-and-bull story" itself is an idiom, you might also consider these related expressions: - "To spin a yarn": This means to tell a story, often a long or exaggerated one. - "To pull someone's leg": This means to joke with someone or to trick them in a playful way.

Summary:

A "cock-and-bull story" is an entertaining but unlikely story often told as an excuse. It is useful in informal settings when discussing someone’s unconvincing tale.

Academic

Noun

1. an interesting but highly implausible story; often told as an excuse

Synonyms

• fairytale
• fairy tale
• fairy story
• song and dance